Comments on: Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage

By: Carol Brown

Carol Brown — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 23:02:18 +0000

I chose Medicare Advantage for two reasons.
1. To continue with the doctors I was already affiliated with .
2. I receive free top of the line hearing aids every 3 years. These hearing aids generally cost 5-6 thousand dollars. That in itself is a huge savings for me.

By: Linda

Linda — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 13:06:58 +0000

In reply to P.M. Bellace. I wanted to change my medigap coverage to a different carrier and I found that they do evaluate a person's medical needs in regards to premium paid. I pay $150.00 per month for current coverage and the carrier that I was looking into wanted $400.00 per month. Their reason: I had had a test to rule out a health issue. The test was negative but the fact I had the test at all put me in a higher health risk.

By: Susan White

Susan White — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 09:53:07 +0000

You should also note that with Medicare Advantage, although the initial costs are lower, you are paying a co-pay every time you visit a doctor. Adds up fast!

By: Kathy Guidi

Kathy Guidi — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 01:21:13 +0000

In reply to Pedro.

Is there any way to get around the ‘donut hole’ penalty for not taking a Part D plan back 10 years ago? It’s huge and seems like a penalty for being healthy. Advantage and Gap plans are not available in USVI.
Thanks! Good information in your article. Kathy G

By: P.M. Bellace

P.M. Bellace — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 00:27:50 +0000

Question: It seems to me that you are “medically evaluated” for Medigap coverage. In other words, if you have or have had certain medical conditions, you might be quoted a higher rate than someone who doesn’t have these conditions. Is this true? Another question: can you be denied Medigap coverage?

By: P.M. Bellace

P.M. Bellace — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 00:22:45 +0000

RE Medicare Advantage plans: a lot, and I do mean A LOT, depends on where you live. In my area, approximately 97% of doctors are in network for the plan I chose. I have zero monthly premiums. There is no “prior authorization” to see a specialist although prior authorization may be needed to assure coverage of certain procedures. You can purchase additional dental or vision coverage. There are discounts for glasses, etc. Drug plan is very good. It could be very different in your area.

By: Wilda C Krauss

Wilda C Krauss — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 16:38:00 +0000

You don’t mention that the advantage program doesn’t cover you if you are a snowbird living out of state for a purpling period of time.

By: Caroline Magsaysay

Caroline Magsaysay — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 15:14:47 +0000

Limitations on length s of treatments. Limitations particularly on lengths of inpatient care such as hospital stays. Since insurance companies pay the bill you must appeal for extended care as an inpatient to a supposed independent board. Never got my inpatient time in a hospital or therapy facility extended after filing an appeal. Original Medicare is paid by the government Much more lenient about inpatient care length of times in health care facilities

By: Pedro

Pedro — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 15:21:13 +0000

Muy buen artículo me ayudó mucho a comprender como funciona el SISTEMA